The Inescapable Cellphone

Back at the beginning of May, I worked with a group of 9 girls from one of the local colleges, organizing a clean-up along the trail at a local state forest. It was part of an effort called “Into the Streets,” where teams of students go off and do community service projects throughout the area. […]

The Mockingbird Sings A Different Tune

Of all our feathered friends, the northern mockingbird has one of the greatest, most descriptive names ever: Mimus polyglottos. Rather than have some awkward Latinized name to memorialize the person who discovered it (see: Bachman’s warbler, Vermivora bachmanii), the mockingbird’s name pretty much sums up what the bird is all about: “Many-voiced mimic.” Here’s a […]

Carrie’s Query Critique

For those of you who may have a query in need of perusal, get thee to Carrie Pestritto’s blog for a chance to get critiqued by an agent (and the chance to get ‘the Carrie Treatment’ your first 100 pages!). Good luck!

It’s Invasive Species Awareness Week!

Yesterday marked the beginning of Invasive Species Awareness Week here in New York. The purpose of  this week is to promote awareness and understanding of invasive species and to help stop their spread. Invasive species are plants, animals or other organisms that can cause harm to the environment, the economy, and/or human health. They are […]

Monday Musing: Hugs and Brain Cramps

Over the last few weeks there’s been a flurry of hugging going around. It’s a natural consequence of high school graduation–people suddenly come at you with arms open, as a way of saying both “Congratulations!” and “I understand the emotional whirlwind you’re going through, I’m there, too.” It’s not unpleasant, but it’s a little strange […]

Done

It took longer than expected, but the latest manuscript is off to Carrie. Can I go to sleep now?